Heating, Air-conditioning & Refrigeration Distributors International (HARDI) applauds Carrier for its recent announcement to convert excess bulk R-454B refrigerant into 20-pound cylinders for use by distributors and contractor dealers across all its brands, including Carrier, Bryant, Payne, and ICP. This innovative action addresses an urgent supply challenge and provides timely support to those on the front lines of the HVACR transition to low-GWP systems.

With R-454B refrigerant in high demand and a limited supply of service refrigerants causing installation delays, Carrier’s decision to repurpose bulk refrigerant into accessible packaging offers a practical and immediate solution. It demonstrates a clear commitment to helping distributors and contractors in continuing to serve their customers during this critical time.

“HARDI is pleased to see more manufacturers stepping up with creative solutions to this short-term but serious shortage,” said Talbot Gee, HARDI CEO. “Our ongoing collaboration with Carrier has been incredibly productive and focused on real-world outcomes. This move will make a meaningful difference in getting equipment installed and projects completed on schedule.”

HARDI continues to encourage wholesale distributors to educate and train their customers on best practices for installing A2L equipment. Understanding how much refrigerant is needed before arriving at the job site can assist contractors in better planning for refrigerant requirements. Additionally, Carrier’s efforts to reduce this demand through increased pre-charged refrigerant levels and improved access to service refrigerant represent a much-needed creative solution to the shortage.